I have never had an episode but have many family members with it. They all have their triggers. One is red beans, another is BBQ sauce, another is boiled crawfish and boiled shrimp. So once you can identify your triggers avoid them at all cost. Some say fresh cherries are a preemptive measure but they all have cochicine(sp) on stand by when they get flare ups.
I've heard it described as, it can hurt so bad someone just turning the light on in a room makes it hurt.
I've been dealing with flare-ups off and on for 10 yrs now. I could never pinpoint what food actually caused the uric acid spikes, but I think alcohol is a major contributing factor. I have been prescribed Indocin for the pain and swelling which is very effective but only take it when the pain is unbearable. Gout pain is probably one of the most painful things I have ever gone through.
Over the past few years I have had very few minor flare-ups and IMO it's because I drink lots and lots of water, at least a gallon per waking day. I haven't taken any Indocin (NSAIDs) in well over a year, haven't needed to, so I think the water is key. For me anyway.